I didn't do much studying for the October test, and the studying I DID do didn't include a single practice test, nor was it structured in any practical manner. I'm planning on buying the two bibles, some prep tests, and basically busting my ass until February. What do you guys think would be a good plan for me, and do you think that this is enough time to expect a moderate increase in my score (165)?

"the studying I DID do didn't include a single practice test, "First, a question: what DID you study? I'm curious; you did remarkably well for not being diligent -- so yes, I think a 165 is definitely possible. With your LR scores you should be aiming for 170+.

For LR -- if you've lost ground (ie you haven't looked at a practice test since you took the Oct. exam), definitely get the Powerscore bible. You do seem to have a 'natural aptitude' for the LSAT, however, so Manhattan guide (which is like... "advanced introduction to LR" v. powerscore's "introduction to LR") may be more helpful.

Things you should definitely do:1. Drill your games. They become predictable fairly quickly, and you definitely do not want another -8. Powerscore should help you get the basics down, and then repeat, repeat, repeat. If you have 'that sort' of brain, aim for -0; if not, under -5. 2. Work through Manhattan RC guide. Again, it's about repetition: the LSAT asks the same kinds of questions over and over (though I got -3 on October and felt like I was slayed on Dec. RC. But until the test is released I will attribute this to nerves, not a difference in the test itself. Is this relevant to your study? Probably not. Am I going crazy waiting for my Dec. score and did I just drink half a bottle of wine? yes).

One last thing -- is there a reason you can't take the June test instead? Feb. is already too late for this cycle, and if you waited til June you would have time to get your games on lockdown without so much pressure.

Sorry for the belated response. My friend let me borrow a Barron's book - I went over a few of the questions... needless to say, this all happened before I discovered this board, lol. Oh, and I am aiming for 170+, my actual score was 165 in October. Why not June? Well, my s/o is going to Davis as an undergrad transfer, and I asked them to hold review of my application (this cycle) until I receive my February score - I'm not entirely committed to going there, but it would be nice to have the option on the table, and with my 165 / 3.1 I think it's too much of a gamble.

Anyway, I've been drilling hard on the logic games, down to about -4,5 within time constraints. I really didn't have my diagramming down, at all, last time I took the test. All I did was apply the rules to each answer choice and look for contradictions, but that really didn't help with hypos. I am looking back now at one of the questions that I was completely stumped on and I can see how to find the answer. It's heartening!